How to Take Self-Portraits in Street Photography
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re going to be discussing how to take self-portraits in street photography. Now, you may be thinking, why would you take self-portraits on the streets? Why not make photos of strangers? Isn’t that the ethos of street photography?
Why Turn the Camera on Yourself?
When it comes to practicing street photography, we often don’t know what it really feels like to be on the other side of the camera. Most of the time, we’re photographing strangers. But by photographing yourself—by putting yourself on the other side of the lens—you gain a better understanding and develop more empathy towards the subjects you capture on the street.
Street photographers should turn the camera on themselves to understand that relationship, that dynamic between photographer and subject. As we photograph others, it only makes sense to photograph ourselves. For me, photographing myself fuels my everyday life with joy.
Exploring Creative Angles
Self-portraits allow me to:
- Experiment with creative angles.
- Explore vertical frames.
- Make a photograph even when no other subjects are in sight.
I can place myself in the light, frame my composition, and create something intriguing. For example, I once made a self-portrait outside of City Hall, where the way the building framed the composition and the light cast across my face made for an interesting shot. These moments allow me to play, experiment, and tinker with photography.
“By photographing myself, I’m experimenting more. I’m playing with lighting, I’m playing with different situations where I can essentially plug myself into a composition.”
Self-Portrait as a Visual Diary
For me, photography is a visual diary of my day. I simply bring my camera along for the ride and take photos of myself sometimes. Turning the camera on myself plugs me into my own narrative. It makes me an active part of my photographic process. It’s a fun and interesting approach because as street photographers, we often only photograph strangers.
But by positioning your body in the frame in a way that feels candid, the shot almost blends seamlessly with your other street images. Embracing the selfie as a part of my street photography journey fuels my lust for life itself.
“This is, to me, why I practice street photography. It simply brings me joy. It’s a way for me to plug myself into my own work.”
Practical Approach: Using the Ricoh GR III
When making self-portraits, I use the Ricoh GR III, a compact digital camera. My setup is simple:
- Program mode set into the camera.
- Single-point autofocus.
- Flip the camera upside down and point and shoot.
- Natural light is my go-to.
I look towards the sun, press the shutter, and move on. The Ricoh makes it effortless to capture self-portraits because of how small and flexible it is. It lets me hold the camera out in front of me like a human tripod. This technique is unique to the Ricoh, and if you shoot with one, I highly encourage you to give it a try.
Boosting Confidence Through Self-Portraits
One of the best things about making self-portraits is how it boosts my confidence. It’s about making myself into art.
“We were all created and we all have our own unique facial features, our own unique bodies that we embody each and every day.”
The simple act of making a photograph can boost your:
- Joy
- Confidence
- Courage to approach strangers
For instance, the other day I was trying on a tuxedo. I never wear formal clothing, but I looked in the mirror and thought, I look good. So I made a portrait of myself. It was an interesting experience, and it just boosted my confidence.
The Freedom to Create
Self-portraits are a tool for creative expression:
- You can make them anywhere.
- You can use different lighting conditions (sunrise, sunset, window light, etc.).
- You can experiment with gestures, side profiles, and perspectives.
If I’m not feeling inspired to shoot, I turn the camera on myself. That act alone gets me back into the flow state of making pictures. It’s a simple and accessible way for anyone to start creating.
“There’s something about this process of photographing yourself that will ultimately give you more possibilities to create.”
Experimenting with Light and Gesture
When making self-portraits, I experiment with:
- Light and shadow play
- Vertical vs. horizontal composition
- Expressions and candid gestures
For instance, one morning in Rome, I was just waking up, relaxing in bed, and decided to frame an interesting composition. By tinkering with gestures and lighting, I made something intriguing.
“If there are no subjects in sight, I can just plug myself into the composition.”
Why Self-Portraits Matter in Street Photography
Many past photographers rarely made self-portraits, but in the modern age, the selfie is a part of the culture. We can put our own twist on it by using dramatic lighting, composition, and storytelling.
“At the end of the day, our photographs are a reflection of our soul.”
Treat this process like a visual diary. Bring your camera along for the ride and see what happens. Don’t limit yourself to what you think you should be photographing—just photograph. You are always a subject worth capturing.
Final Thoughts
- Experiment with angles, gestures, and lighting.
- Use self-portraits to break out of creative blocks.
- Treat self-portraits as a way to enhance your photographic voice.
- Use self-portraits in your blog or website to put a face to your work.
By incorporating self-portraits into my street photography, I’m always in the process of creating. And that’s what it’s all about—finding inspiration, liberating yourself creatively, and capturing the essence of everyday life.
So next time you’re out on the streets and there’s no subject in sight, turn the camera on yourself. You are always a subject worth photographing.
Peace.